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Ethics Toolkit

Presentation of the Oath of Honor

Instruction

(1) IACP designed the Law Enforcement Oath of Honor so that it could be adjusted as appropriate for nations, countries or governments. Suggested terms are provided. Insert the appropriate term at the designated "superscript" point; be sure to delete the superscript number.

(2) Size and change the fonts for the appropriate media where the Law Enforcement Oath of Honor is being presented.

(3) Always obtain an "approval proof" of the document or item before authorizing mass production.

Suggested Presentations

Posters to hang in briefing rooms, offices and hallway

Encourage officers to sign a large poster of the oath and display this signed copy

Develop a conspicuously display for the law enforcement facility

Place posters in public access areas

Print on the reverse side of officers' business/commission cards

On back of name plaques of officers in various training sessions

Departmental items such as coffee mugs, key chains, patches, pins

Recite the Law Enforcement Oath of Honor

Swearing in Ceremonies

Graduation Ceremonies

Promotion Ceremonies

Beginning of Training Sessions

Law Enforcement Meetings

Law Enforcement Conferences

Oath of Honor Format

On my honor,
I will never betray my badge¹
my integrity, my character,
or the public trust.
I will always have
the courage to hold myself
and others accountable for our actions.
I will always uphold the constitution²
my community³ and the agency I serve.

¹ Insert appropriate term such as: badge; profession; country

² Insert appropriate term such as: constitution, laws; monarch

³ Insert appropriate term such as: community; country; land; nation